February Regular Meeting

DRAFT                ELK TOWNSHIP               DRAFT

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

FEBRUARY 10, 2015

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm

Prayer offered by Johnny Gates

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

Roll call, officials present:      Lou Fitz, Supervisor-266.5040

Vicki Gates, Clerk-510.2597

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-bmyers42780@yahoo.com

                                    John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Officials absent:         Sharon Young

Agenda-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve agenda as revised; B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0

Minutes approval- J. Fairbanks -motion to approve January 13, 2015 regular meeting minutes;

B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      Would like to thank Dave Kott for working on the Great Lakes Energy grant which was denied

2.      Board of Review dates will be published in the Lake County Star by the Lake County Area Township Association; next meeting will be April 23, 2015 @ 7:30 @ Yates Township

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Transworld Network account updated to paperless billing (long distance bill)

2.      Shredder died; after discussion J. Fairbanks-motion to replace shredder at cost not to exceed $350; B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0 (V. Gates will order after shopping around)

3.      New color printer will be needed next fiscal year

4.      Heat for hall-L. Fitz reports that the furnace professional recommends heat to be left @ 60 degrees, but no less than 55 degrees (we are going through more Lp than last year); L. Fitz will talk to Irons Bottle Gas about their recent lack of service & resulting outage & price per gal

5.      Finalizing  Dennis Lisiaus’ retirement account to send to Michigan Department of Treasury as unclaimed properties; after discussion J. Fairbanks-motion to send letter to MERS (Municipal Retirement Systems) requesting payment; L. Fitz seconded; passed 4-0

6.      Discussion ensued concerning Sage software annual renewal which jumped 60%; L. Fitz-motion to renew Sage @ $550/year & instruct V. Gates to check out accounting programs with payroll for next year; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 4-0

7.      Approval of non-periodical bills (including BS&A assessor’s software; assessor’s postage & envelopes for assessment change notices; final decorations for Sharon Puff’s project)-L. Fitz-motion to approve; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 4-0

8.      Requesting board approval on bills paid in January-L. Fitz-motion to approve bills; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 4-0

9.      Brining-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve brining up to $6,500; L. Fitz seconded; approved 4-0

  B. Myers, Treasurer

1.      Read Treasurer’s report for January-V. Gates-motion to accept Treasurer’s report;

J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 4-0

Public Comments:

Varied

Dignitary Reports:

·        Dan Sloan-Economic Development-shared with the Board & public the $45,000 grant obtained to promote Lake County as an ORV destination spot (will be working on a mobile app & various social media avenues to make trails easily accessible & safe); would like to see townships contribute to a fund designated to be used in obtaining matching funds grant(s); will be discussed at the March regular meeting

·        County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-discussed aerial photography; MSU Extension report; legislative report; Baldwin schools going to year-around schooling; ORV meeting; May 5^th referendum which will be on a state wide ballot; county looking for drivers for troubled youth needing to get to various appointments (will pay up $8/hr)

·        Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given

·        Historical Society-Joyce Durdel-put historical documents & pictures up in hall

·        Assessor (in absentia) recommends that the Board directs individuals to contact him in regards to Principal Residence Exemption

Old Business:

·        Door closures-J. Fairbanks-motion to purchase 3 door closures; B. Myers seconded; passed 3-1 (J. Fairbanks, no)

·        Drop box for hall-after discussion it was decided by consensus to put in next fiscal year’s budget

·        Aerial photography-county has contracted for updated aerials and would like townships to contribute; L. Fitz-offered a resolution to contribute $2,677.78; motion failed due to lack of second

New Business:

·        Officers’ salary resolutions-J. Fairbanks offered resolution to approve salary of Supervisor to remain @ $9,100/yr; V. Gates seconded; passed 3-0-1 (L. Fitz abstained)

 J. Fairbanks offered resolution to approve salary of Clerk to remain @ $11,100/yr; B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0

J. Fairbanks offered resolution to approve salary of Treasurer to remain @ $12,100/yr; V. Gates seconded; passed 4-0

·        Budget workshop

Public Comments:

Varied

V. Gates-motion to adjourn; B. Myers seconded; all in favor

Adjourned @ 10 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

2.11.15